How to Wear Contact Lenses Safely: Expert Guide for First-Time and Regular Users
Introduction
I still remember the first time I tried on contact lenses; it was nothing short of magical. Having worn spectacles for years, I was so used to the constant weight on my nose and the narrow frame of vision they offered. But the moment I slipped in those lenses, the world instantly transformed. Suddenly, I wasn’t just looking through something, I was experiencing life with a full 360-degree view, almost as if I had been given a brand-new pair of eyes. It was freeing, exciting, and honestly, a little emotional, like stepping into a clearer, wider version of reality.
Essential Precautions for Using Contact Lenses
Your eyes are one of the most sensitive parts of your body, so it’s important to handle them with the utmost care. Be sure to follow the instructions below carefully.
1. Maintain Proper Hand Hygiene
It’s essential to keep your hands clean and hygienic. Always wash your hands thoroughly and dry them completely before putting in your contact lenses.
2. Correct Way to Insert Contact Lenses
The “pinch and place” method revolutionized my contact lens experience. Instead of trying to balance the lens on my fingertip like I was performing some sort of circus act, I learned to gently pinch the lens between my thumb and index finger.
Gently hold down your lower eyelid with your middle finger and direct your gaze upward—this creates an ideal space for placing the contact lens safely.
If the lens feels uncomfortable immediately, don’t ignore it. I used to think discomfort was normal and would power through burning sensations. That’s a recipe for corneal damage. Take out the lens, give it a rinse, and reinsert it.
3.Properly Store Your Contact Lenses
Always refill the solution in your contact lens storage case. Remove the complete solution before you use it and fill it with a new solution to the case, never reuse the old one. Discard the used solution completely before refilling, and never add water or any other liquid, as it can damage your contact lenses. Store the case in a safe, clean location, out of the reach of children.
4. Restrict Daily Contact Lens Wear Time
If you wear contact lenses daily, whether disposable or permanent, avoid using them for more than 8–10 hours a day. Extended use of contact lenses can cause your eyes to become dry, irritated, and potentially inflamed.To keep them healthy, give your eyes regular breaks, and you must remove your lenses before going to sleep.
5. Professional Eye Care Is Always Recommended
Visit your eye doctor or optometrist at a regular interval of time to monitor and understand your eye health. Before using contact lenses for the first time, clear any doubts about them and, if possible, seek guidance for your initial lens insertion.
If eye redness persists for more than an hour after removing your lenses, it’s a warning sign you shouldn’t ignore. Likewise, if you experience severe pain, sudden changes in vision, unusual discharge, or sensitivity to light, seek medical attention from your eye doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Contact lenses can feel like a brand-new set of eyes, but they must be used with proper care. Before replacing your spectacles completely, start with disposable contact lenses for a few weeks to get comfortable with their use. Once you’re confident, you can gradually transition into being a regular contact lens wearer. Always choose branded contact lenses, as your eyes are one of the most valuable and delicate parts of your body.